Evie Dean, owner of Once Upon a Time Consignment Shop, describes the venture “as a family-run business reaching out to families.”

“I feel there is a real need for affordable clothing, especially for families,” Evie said. “We’re offering clothing at very affordable prices.”

The shop, which opened last Saturday and will celebrate its grand opening this Saturday, is something Evie has been thinking about for awhile.

“I was looking for a career change after 16 years of daycare,” said the Rutland, Vt. resident. “My husband suggested a consignment shop and the light bulb went on. It was like a revelation.”

The couple then sprang into action and began looking for a location for the shop.

Evie’s husband, Barry, a minister and a former member of the Navy, suggested Whitehall.

“My family has always been seamen and Whitehall is the birthplace of the Navy. It seemed like a sort of homecoming,” Barry said. “We believe in this area.”

After considering several locations in Whitehall, the family zeroed in on a recently renovated storefront at 90 Broadway, just south of the Whitehall Post Office.

“The timing was right,” Barry said. “The people really did a lot to the building.”

The couple’s fortunate timing continued when earlier this month they found a consignment shop near the Canadian border that was shutting its door.

With trailer in tow, the family made the three-hour drive north and came away with piles of clothing, which augmented the inventory they already had.

The shop offers an assortment of men and women’s clothing as well as an extensive selection of infant, toddler and children’s clothing. They also have accessories, such as belts, handbags, jewelry and some toys.

“We have some higher-end clothing that you would normally have to travel for,” said Barry. “But we’re really geared around family.”

Evie said patrons will be able to purchase an outfit for anyone in the family for less than $20.

They can also bring in outgrown clothing and items they longer have any interest growing. The couple will in turn sell the clothing and half of the proceeds will be given back to the person who dropped off the clothes.

The couple hopes to eventually offer used sports equipment and smaller furniture.

“We plan on growing with the community. We feel we’re going to get out of the store what we put into it,” Barry said.

The shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; 3:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays; 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. The store can be reached at 499-0234.